LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XVI :21ST CENTURY CHRISTENDOM

"One girl and one crib, One God to show me how to do things his son did"-


Nasir bin olu dara jones



"Christianity began as a Jewish sect[9][10] and is classified as an Abrahamic religion.[11][12][13] Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire."-



Wikipedia


The world of christendom today is a large reflection of its deep historical roots. From the early centuries to now its no stranger to triumph, extrodinary disperal, controversy, scandal and criticism. Through dispensations the "Gospel" of Jesus the Christ(messiah) along with the Torah(Law and the prophets) and other books canonized by the Roman catholic church have been re-written and translated; and the source of protestant movements and congregations, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Seven day-adventist and an endless list of denominations. Still 1/3 of the world's greatest religions:

"With an estimated number of adherents that ranges approximately around 2.2 billion, split into 3 main branches of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, Christianity is the world's largest religion.[148] The Christian share of the world's population has stood at around 33 per cent for the last hundred years, which says that one in three persons on earth are Christians"-

Wikipedia

-The faith of many, even the base of political agenda's, modern christainity has definetly been on the forefront of controversy. One example, the extension of protestant movement, the Megachurch:




-"Religion is the opium for the masses of the people" -Karl Marx

Sociologist/Philosopher Karl marx stated this probally seeing society's hunger, movement and history, of religion's, and also the corruption. Religions are spiritual in goal,(faiths/belief system) but at times delegated and manipulated by the corrupted ways of man. Christainity is highly Criticized for hypocrisy, scandal(catholic church), avarice, (Prosperity Gospel,megachurch); an example is the current headlines of Bishop Eddie Long:

'Four young men have accused Long, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, of sexual coercion. He has denied the men's allegations through a spokesman and has told his congregation he plans to "vigorously" fight the charges"-

AJC.COM

-To the ruling whether Bishop Long committed these foul acts or not, is a matter known between God, the accusing party and bishop Long for now, as its under investigation. Acts in the name of religion has been the cause of the world's greatest structures, and the world's greatest atrocities. Language of One also covers Religion and the culture/ideals of global movements. As thursday's blog being my faith, my views(shared by many) personally don't co-sign a religious/self -rightous nature; but rather simple faith, principle, and a growing awareness to the world around you. To have faith, but as life shapes you, to develop your own worldview. As expressed by Tariq Trotter(Black Thought) of The Roots in "Dear God" Ft. Monsters of folk off their new LP "How I Got Over":

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MUSIC IS LIFE P.XVIII : THE STRUGGLE, THE AMBITION

"THE SHINING"-



JAMES YANCEY

1974-2006

Dreams of success and entrepenuarship in the inner city are often driven by the crucibles of economic struggle. America is a capitalist/corporatist country, and in this digital age there probally has not been this many independent artists to flood music since recent years. Extrodinary undiscovered talent lies in the comfort of surburban lofts to the back of housing projects, to even behind prison walls. Every one's reason differ's for their reason to share their portion of the limelight. One of many success story's in this age is Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz(1/4 of "slaughterhouse") In my opinion one the most talented rappers with an ambition and a honest delivery. ICU lab caught the brief hunger shared by many in the inner city and abroad:

'Like indie rock artists, many indie hip hop artists place a premium on maintaining complete control of their music and careers, releasing albums on independent record labels (sometimes their own) and relying on touring, word-of-mouth, and air play on independent or college radio stations for promotion. Some of its more popular artists, however, may end up moving to major labels, though often on favorable terms won by their prior independent success."-

Wikipedia

-The "paper chase" in america is still relevant as the word "grind" takes on many faces. By principle dreams always walk hand in hand with business, good association, hard work and credible exposure. Music is life features Joell Ortiz as an example, Dear God, remixed by a 2008 Barrio nuevo realease tells the concrete roots story of the hunger to shine above circumstance.

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MUSIC IS LIFE PXVIII : THE GRASSROOTS VIEW

"THE MISSION"-

STEPHEN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY





"A grassroots movement (often referenced in the context of a political movement) is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures. Grassroots movements are often at the local level, as many volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party. For instance, a grassroots movement can lead to significant voter registration for a political party, which in turn helps the state and national parties. "-

wikipedia




"Movement for Justice in El Barrio was founded by immigrants and low-income people living in East Harlem, New York City. It is part of the fight against the effects of neoliberalism and discrimination in all of its forms and operates on a commitment to the ideals of self-determination, autonomy and participatory democracy."-

Wikipedia


The above examples are two grassroots initiatives, one from the late 60's and within the last 10 years. The grassroots perspective is one of radical social change, most of the time in relation to politics; also in any industry, through clothing, film (indie) and within these times exceptionally music. Clothing line's like my brother Neguswear(Johwell baptiste), advocate social change, self-actualization and empowerment, as told by the CEO himself:




-The grassroots is politically left-wing(republic,democratic) in nature. Notably this theme is taking root and expanding in america and abroad for people to voice their views on the progress of politics, issues, and media. Artists/musicians play a major part in the grassroots movement. One collective as filmed by the Negus camp for peace day 9/21/10. We also close with a feature track from M1 of dead prez, feat Stormi james and canada's leading artists K'naan.





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STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XV: HOUSING AUTHORITIES

'THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK"-







W.E.B DUBOIS

"Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is owned by a government authority, which may be central or local. Social housing is an umbrella term referring to rental housing which may be owned and managed by the state, by non-profit organizations, or by a combination of the two, usually with the aim of providing affordable housing.
Although the common goal of public housing is to provide affordable housing, the details, terminology, definitions of poverty and other criteria for allocation vary."-

Wikipedia

The group "war" coined a song in the 70's: the world is a ghetto. The housing project is international, from america to asia, but most are relative to poverty. Government owned, the culture of the housing project is usually condusive to crime and poverty. In the united states life in the projects is generational, especially since the mid 20th century. One example of many is one located in chicago:


-9x's out of 10 poverty= social unrest and crime. Currency is part of any livelihood, a great necessity; but among the poor/low income, in a ghetto setting for simple means of survival, most are plauged with the love of money. One respected artist from Stapleton housing in Staten Island, Trife da God explains his worldview; the world in the hands of corrupted politicians.

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LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XV :EURO TONGUES

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you
feel no pain"-

Bob Marley

"Elements of American hip hop culture, such as graffiti art and breakdancing, diffused into Western Europe in the early 1980s. The first German hip hop artists emerged in the mid-1980s as part of an underground music scene. Early underground artists included Cora E. and Advanced Chemistry. It was not until the early 1990s that German hip hop entered the mainstream, as groups like Die Fantastischen Vier and the Rödelheim Hartreim Projekt gained popularity. German hip hop was heavily influenced by films which led to a strong emphasis on cultural elements such as graffiti and breakdancing, rather than just the music itself."-

Wikipedia

Post 21st century Euro hip hop. Thick basslines and dark undertones usually paint the reflection of germany's landscape. Those intune with Euro sound understand the progressive movements germany has made in hip hop through the last 20 years. One example is the Wu Tang's Gza and affiliate Prodigal sunn, With an american-german ode to hip hop(Berlin):

- One affilate of mine, Abiz and Bdoub of Be focus records realeased "Mehr als rap"(more than rap) in 2009. Langauge of one focuses on the "Art imitates life" principle. One aspect/reflection of the spirit of germany.

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STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XIV: URBAN ACADEMIA

"We give you the facts, I told you information is power -- knowledge is power.”-



Tavis Smiley


"Charter schools are primary or secondary schools that receive public money (and like other schools, may also receive private donations) but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter.[1] Charter schools are opened and attended by choice.[2] While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. Where enrollment in a charter school is over subscribed, admission is frequently allocated by lottery-based admissions. "-


WIKIPEDIA


"Yo.. Camden high is like a penitentary" A young man from west Camden NJ vented to me in explaining the reasons why he left to finish school in a co-operative credit program. In observation all schools are condusive for learning, climbing the stages of academics; but in most schools in the inner cities the socialogical aspect stands out, at times greater than the central focus of the cirriculum. The above reference, this sentiment and more i seen expressed by many during the years of the public school system, from my own reflections to the masses of struggling youth. Among the urban diaspora i witnessed in philadelphia, during the years of intense social climate the alternative spread amongst the city: the charter school. Still at the ledge of controversy from public schools, the charter school, though state owned seemed to create an environment of social reform; first targeting the social ills of the school system:



-One thing i acknowledge, is in every generation the youth need guidance, not only academically but in every form to help them navigate socialogically. Due to social preassures excelling in academics sometimes is an against the grain process. I advocate education outside of systematic academics, for the greater arm against today's world. We close with a source of inspiration, one man that stays progressive with a personal outlook from the musicians institute. In rain or shine, the principle of hard work in action.



THEE URBANPRIESHOOD GROUP LLC 2010